AACC Recognized as One of Top 150 Community Colleges in U.S.

News Release – Oct. 31, 2017

Competing for Prestigious $1 Million Aspen Prize for Outstanding Achievement and Performance in Community College Student Success

Arnold, MD – Anne Arundel Community College recently was named one of the 150 top community colleges eligible to compete for the 2019 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. The Aspen Prize is the nation’s signature recognition of high achievement and performance among America’s community colleges.

AACC was selected from a pool of nearly 1,000 public two-year colleges throughout the nation using publicly available data on student outcomes. AACC is one of only two community colleges in the state to be named.

"To be selected as one of the country's top community colleges invited to apply for this prestigious award is a testament to the student-centered approach and innovative spirit of AACC's staff and faculty," said Dr. Dawn Lindsay, president of Anne Arundel Community College. "Through our college's strategic plan, we have clear direction to create a new experience that ensures greater success for our students. We're honored by this recognition from the Aspen Institute."

Awarded every two years since 2011, the Aspen Prize honors those institutions that achieve exceptional outcomes for student success – while in college, and after they graduate – in four areas: learning, certificate and degree completion, employment and earnings, and high levels of access and success for minority and low-income students.

AACC has begun the next round of the competition and will submit an application for review in a rigorous evaluation process.The top 10 finalists for the 2019 Aspen Prize will be named in spring 2018. Teams of experienced researchers then will join the Aspen Institute to conduct site visits to each of the finalists and collect additional quantitative data, including employment and earnings data. A distinguished Prize Jury will select the Aspen Prize winner in 2019, and a Finalist with Distinction and Rising Star also will be announced.

About Anne Arundel Community CollegeAnne Arundel Community College is an award-winning, fully accredited public two-year institution serving approximately 47,000 students each year through classes offered at more than 50 sites in Anne Arundel County or online. AACC offers national and regional studies leading to a degree, certificate, industry credential, transfer to a four-year institution or career enhancement, personal enrichment and lifelong learning.